Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Programs

Bringing together business, political and thought leaders to deepen understanding of a wide range of issues, technologies and ideas.

Our Programs

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute carries on Gov. Rockefeller's legacy, working in concert with the University of Arkansas System, other educational institutions, and business, industry and government leaders to convene select groups in an environment that is uniquely conducive to the kind of collaboration that yields transformative results.

Program areas include agriculture, arts and humanities, civic engagement, economic development, and health – all key topics that are of great importance to Arkansas today, and the kinds of issues for which we believe Gov. Rockefeller would seek solutions.

Program Areas Include:

Agriculture

Arts and Humanities

Civic Engagement

Economic Development

Health

Although it is for his leadership of the state that Gov. Rockefeller is best remembered, he first came to Arkansas not to govern but to farm. Situated on part of the original Winrock Farms property, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute carries forward Gov. Rockefeller's important work as an agricultural innovator. The Institute brings together agriculture experts, scholars and practitioners to advance and share ideas and practices that can help sustain a rapidly growing and changing world through the coming century.

It was Gov. Rockefeller’s mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who first spawned his love for and commitment to the arts. Gov. Rockefeller’s wife, Jeannette Edris Rockefeller — whose work and philanthropy made the long-dreamed-of Arkansas Arts Center a reality — shared that passion, and promoting the arts was of central importance to the Arkansas Rockefellers. It remains so for the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, which nurtures the arts and humanities through instructional workshops, provides a venue for Arkansas' underserved rural population to appreciate visual and performing arts, and convenes gatherings to address key issues facing the arts community.

Perhaps Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller captured it best when he said, “Every citizen has the duty to be informed, to be thoughtfully concerned, and to participate in the search for solutions.” Through our innovative programs in the area of civic engagement, we explore and support all forms of civic participation, from creating and sustaining an informed electorate to building stronger communities by encouraging positive community involvement. By empowering Arkansas’ people to actively engage in responsible citizenhood, we can help make Arkansas a better place for all Arkansans.

When he arrived in Arkansas in 1953, Gov. Rockefeller found a state mired in what Time magazine described as a "dead-end economic and political condition." Named the first chair of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, Rockefeller convened members of the AIDC, along with a number of experts, at his farm atop Petit Jean Mountain to iron out a roadmap to economic development success. The result was 600 new industries, 90,000 new jobs and $240 million in new salaries. In the 21st century global economy, though, our state and region must again creatively adapt in order to survive and thrive. As a key catalyst in that process, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute convenes government, business and other leaders to tackle the challenges Arkansas faces and advance the solutions that will drive us forward.

Continuing the Rockefeller family tradition of support for scientific research, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute plays an active role in advancing both clinical medicine and public health, not only offering educational health retreats and workshops for the public, but also partnering with leading researchers and institutions to convene conferences that further understanding, disseminate knowledge and propose solutions in a variety of areas — ranging from Arkansas' public health issues to the use of nanotechnology in health care.

Upcoming Programs

Agriculture

Although it is for his leadership of the state that Gov. Rockefeller is best remembered, he first came to Arkansas not to govern but to farm. Situated on part of the original Winrock Farms property, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute carries forward Gov. Rockefeller's important work as an agricultural innovator. The Institute brings together agriculture experts, scholars and practitioners to advance and share ideas and practices that can help sustain a rapidly growing and changing world through the coming century.

Arts and Humanities

It was Gov. Rockefeller’s mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who first spawned his love for and commitment to the arts. Gov. Rockefeller’s wife, Jeannette Edris Rockefeller — whose work and philanthropy made the long-dreamed-of Arkansas Arts Center a reality — shared that passion, and promoting the arts was of central importance to the Arkansas Rockefellers. It remains so for the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, which nurtures the arts and humanities through instructional workshops, provides a venue for Arkansas' underserved rural population to appreciate visual and performing arts, and convenes gatherings to address key issues facing the arts community.

Civic Engagement

Perhaps Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller captured it best when he said, “Every citizen has the duty to be informed, to be thoughtfully concerned, and to participate in the search for solutions.” Through our innovative programs in the area of civic engagement, we explore and support all forms of civic participation, from creating and sustaining an informed electorate to building stronger communities by encouraging positive community involvement. By empowering Arkansas’ people to actively engage in responsible citizenhood, we can help make Arkansas a better place for all Arkansans.

Economic Development

When he arrived in Arkansas in 1953, Gov. Rockefeller found a state mired in what Time magazine described as a "dead-end economic and political condition." Named the first chair of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, Rockefeller convened members of the AIDC, along with a number of experts, at his farm atop Petit Jean Mountain to iron out a roadmap to economic development success. The result was 600 new industries, 90,000 new jobs and $240 million in new salaries. In the 21st century global economy, though, our state and region must again creatively adapt in order to survive and thrive. As a key catalyst in that process, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute convenes government, business and other leaders to tackle the challenges Arkansas faces and advance the solutions that will drive us forward.

Health

Continuing the Rockefeller family tradition of support for scientific research, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute plays an active role in advancing both clinical medicine and public health, not only offering educational health retreats and workshops for the public, but also partnering with leading researchers and institutions to convene conferences that further understanding, disseminate knowledge and propose solutions in a variety of areas — ranging from Arkansas' public health issues to the use of nanotechnology in health care.

Arkansas is the “Natural State,” and Petit Jean Mountain makes it easy to see why. From towering pines to open fields to sparkling lakes, Petit Jean offers stunning vistas at every turn. The Art in its Natural State competition is a regional competition for the creation of 10 temporary, outdoor artworks to be displayed among that natural beauty here at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and Petit Jean State Park.

The Rural Health Summit at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute brings Arkansas health care workers of all kinds together to discuss the issues and challenges related to rural health care and to plan collaborative solutions.

The Under 40 Forum returns for its third year of bringing young leaders from across Arkansas to gather with the purpose of advancing ideas, solving problems and dreaming big dreams for a brighter future. The Forum represents a partnership between the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, the Clinton School of Public Service, Arkansas Business and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.

The Conference on Normal Tissue Radiation Effects and Countermeasures (CONTREC), in partnership with the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Division of Radiation Health, will address three topics in the field of radiation injury: side effects of radiation during and after cancer therapy; radiological and nuclear emergencies; and exposure to radiation in space. CONTREC will bring together top national and international researchers to share their work, while also showcasing the groundbreaking work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Division of Radiation Health. By integrating the resources and expertise of the University of Arkansas System with the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and member of the International Association of Conference Centers creates an atmosphere where collaboration and change can thrive.

ProgramCategories

All

Arts and Humanities

Civic Engagement

Health

Past Programs

Agriculture

Although it is for his leadership of the state that Gov. Rockefeller is best remembered, he first came to Arkansas not to govern but to farm. Situated on part of the original Winrock Farms property, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute carries forward Gov. Rockefeller's important work as an agricultural innovator. The Institute brings together agriculture experts, scholars and practitioners to advance and share ideas and practices that can help sustain a rapidly growing and changing world through the coming century.

Arts and Humanities

It was Gov. Rockefeller’s mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who first spawned his love for and commitment to the arts. Gov. Rockefeller’s wife, Jeannette Edris Rockefeller — whose work and philanthropy made the long-dreamed-of Arkansas Arts Center a reality — shared that passion, and promoting the arts was of central importance to the Arkansas Rockefellers. It remains so for the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, which nurtures the arts and humanities through instructional workshops, provides a venue for Arkansas' underserved rural population to appreciate visual and performing arts, and convenes gatherings to address key issues facing the arts community.

Civic Engagement

Perhaps Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller captured it best when he said, “Every citizen has the duty to be informed, to be thoughtfully concerned, and to participate in the search for solutions.” Through our innovative programs in the area of civic engagement, we explore and support all forms of civic participation, from creating and sustaining an informed electorate to building stronger communities by encouraging positive community involvement. By empowering Arkansas’ people to actively engage in responsible citizenhood, we can help make Arkansas a better place for all Arkansans.

Economic Development

When he arrived in Arkansas in 1953, Gov. Rockefeller found a state mired in what Time magazine described as a "dead-end economic and political condition." Named the first chair of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, Rockefeller convened members of the AIDC, along with a number of experts, at his farm atop Petit Jean Mountain to iron out a roadmap to economic development success. The result was 600 new industries, 90,000 new jobs and $240 million in new salaries. In the 21st century global economy, though, our state and region must again creatively adapt in order to survive and thrive. As a key catalyst in that process, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute convenes government, business and other leaders to tackle the challenges Arkansas faces and advance the solutions that will drive us forward.

Health

Continuing the Rockefeller family tradition of support for scientific research, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute plays an active role in advancing both clinical medicine and public health, not only offering educational health retreats and workshops for the public, but also partnering with leading researchers and institutions to convene conferences that further understanding, disseminate knowledge and propose solutions in a variety of areas — ranging from Arkansas' public health issues to the use of nanotechnology in health care.

Uncommon Communities, Session Twelve will be held on Friday, October 27 at the Perryville Methodist Church Connection Center, 123 Cross Street, Perryville, Arkansas 72126. The workshop, offered exclusively to Uncommon Communities participants, will explore mapping the assets of your community. Our featured speaker will be Lionel J. "Bo" Beaulieu. Beaulieu will discuss the role that community asset mapping can play in promoting the type of community development that is concerned with engaging local people in community enhancement efforts.

An 18-member task force representing a cross-section of those most affected by the issues surrounding dicamba use was convened and brought to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute to undergo a facilitated, dialogue-driven decision-making process. Institute facilitators served as impartial, independent mediators, guiding the task force through an examination of all sides of the issue, not only from the task force members themselves, but also from advisory members representing academic researchers and scientists as well as researchers from dicamba product manufacturers and Arkansas Agriculture Department conveners.

Historic Theaters are the hubs of smaller communities. Too often they are neglected or don't have enough programming to sustain them. The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in partnership with the Department of Arkansas Heritage, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and Arkansas Arts Council is working to change that. Join us for sessions on programming your historic theater, fundraising, marketing, historic building issues and more. Meet with your peers from across the state and learn what the other 22 historic theaters in the state are doing to keep arts, history and quality of place alive!

We are excited to host northwest Arkansas photographers Don House and Sabine Schmidt's exhibition We’re Not Telling You Everything: Words and Images from the Wichita Mountains through the month of August. This exhibit will be on display in the Institute's Flagstone Foyer and Show Barn Hall from Friday, Aug. 4, to Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, with a special opening reception and artist talk from 3-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3. Admission to the reception is free, but we ask that those interested preregister.